NNPC, Egbin to boost gas-to-power, energy transition

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Egbin Power Plc have promised to collaborate towards ensuring sustainable power supply and boosting Nigeria’s energy transition through optimisation of gas-to-power initiatives.

The Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, NNPC, Yusuf Usman and Chairman, Board of Directors, Egbin Power Plc, Temitope Shonubi, announced both organisation’s commitment to transforming the power sector during a facility visit by the NNPC team to the power plant on Monday in Lagos.

With an installed capacity of 1,320MW, Egbin Power is the largest privately run thermal power plant in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Usman said the NNPC was committed to deepening gas utilisation in Nigeria, adding that the turn-around of Egbin Power post privatisation was very impressive and indicative of the expertise and huge investment injected by the Sahara Group into transforming the thermal power plant.

“This visit has been an eye-opener for me. We have seen turbines that have been running for over 40 years and still performing optimally through the efforts of Egbin management and employees to achieve a turnaround at the plant through overhaul of the entire system. This is a huge plus for the privatization exercise and positions Egbin to play a leading role as we work towards energy transition using gas which is a clean fuel that we have in abundance in Nigeria.”

Mr Usman assured the power plant of the support of the NNPC, adding that, “I have listened to the concerns you raised, particularly, regarding transmission restrictions. I am aware that works are ongoing in this regard to ensure that all the power we generate is safely evacuated.”

Mr Shonubi said Egbin Power Plc had developed a robust strategy for its Phase Two investment expansion plan that is projected to add between 1,750 megawatts (MW) and 1,900MW to Nigeria’s power generation pool.

He explained that Egbin’s operations were guided by an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. “We are mindful of our carbon footprint and continue to operate in compliance with global standards to ensure our energy is clean and our environment preserved for future generations.”

Mr Shonubi noted that huge investments and consistent overhauls of the system had played a critical role in increasing its generation capacity “consistently and sustainably” since the plant was acquired in 2013.

He said; “Egbin has 1,320MW capacity. As of the time we took over, the plant was generating 300MW which is (an) abysmal 22 per cent. As of today, our generation capacity has surged, and we are doing 89 per cent. We hit (a) generation peak of 970MW this year despite challenges, many thanks to (the) expertise and dedication of our employees and support of our stakeholders. We are delighted at the tireless commitment of our employees to our vision of lighting up Nigeria and ultimately, Africa.”

Mr Shonubi also acknowledged the support of concerned parties including the NNPC, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Power Ministry, Banks, Transmission Company of Nigeria, regulatory authorities, and the entire power sector, noting that multi-stakeholder collaboration remained critical to delivering uninterrupted power supply in Nigeria.